Chicago Gun Lawyers

Charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Street Gang Member?

Charged with a weapons offense in Illinois? You need an experienced Chicago gun lawyer to represent you. In order to combat violence associated with street gangs the State of Illinois has passed a new law targeting street gang members that are armed with firearms. This new gun law amends the Criminal Code of 1961 relating to the offense of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and provides that aggravated unlawful use of a weapon by a person who has not been previously convicted of a felony in this State or another jurisdiction and who at the time of the commission of the offense is a member of a street gang or is engaged in street gang related activity is a Class 2 felony. This is a complicated law and needs to be handled by an experienced Chicago gun lawyer

The Statute sets a minimum sentence of three years and a maximum sentence of 10 years behind bars for unlawful use of a weapon by a street gang member. Under previous laws, the offense was punished usually by a sentence of probation. However, this new law does not allow for probation so it is very important that you hire an experienced Chicago gun lawyer to defend you on this serious charge. The Chicago criminal lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael P. Schmiege handle all weapon offenses, misdemenaor and felonies in state and federal court.

Chicago Criminal Defense Attorneys Fighting For Your Freedom

This is hard charge to for the prosecution to prove, because the law requires that the suspects be proven beyond a reasonable doubt to be in a gang or admit to be in a gang, and are proven to have the weapon in their possession or admit to having the weapon in their possession. An experienced Chicago Weapons Lawyer at the Law Offices of Michael P. Schmiege can investigate your case fully and recommend a course of conduct to get the best possible outcome for your criminal charge.

Under 720 ILCS 5/24 1.8, Unlawful possession of a firearm by a street gang member, a person commits unlawful possession of a firearm by a street gang member when he or she knowingly: (1) possesses, carries, or conceals on or about his or her person a firearm and firearm ammunition while on any street, road, alley, gangway, sidewalk, or any other lands, except when inside his or her own abode or inside his or her fixed place of business, and has not been issued a currently valid Firearm Owner's Identification Card and is a member of a street gang; or (2) possesses or carries in any vehicle a firearm and firearm ammunition which are both immediately accessible at the time of the offense while on any street, road, alley, or any other lands, except when inside his or her own abode or garage, and has not been issued a currently valid Firearm Owner's Identification Card and is a member of a street gang. (b) Unlawful possession of a firearm by a street gang member is a Class 2 felony for which the person, if sentenced to a term of imprisonment, shall be sentenced to no less than 3 years and no more than 10 years.

Gun Lawyers Chicago Fighting your Illinois Gun Charge

Due to the severe nature of this charge and the vast resources of the police and the prosecutor it is important that you hire an experienced Chicago gun lawyer. We will use our experience to win your case or get your case dismissed or a not guilty verdict at trial. In the alternative, we will use our negotiating skills to convince the court and the prosecutor to come with an effective and constructive sentencing option that gives you the best chance of avoiding jail and fine. We have your best interest in mind when handling your case. Please be weary of lawyers looking to just plead you guilty. Michael P. Schmiege is an experienced trial lawyers and Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney who will fight with you to the end to protect your rights and freedom.

Contact Chicago criminal attorney Michael P. Schmiege at once if you have been charged with a crime.